2012 Royal Ark Mariner Assembly

12/02/12 16:58

Ninety Royal Ark Mariners gathered at Nailsea Masonic Hall on Saturday 11th February 2012 for the 8th Annual Provincial Royal Ark Mariner Assembly. The Provincial Grand Master R.W.Bro David Nelson presided assisted by his Deputy W.Bro Ray Guthrie. There were five visiting Provincial Grand Masters present, Geoff Isaac - Cornwall, David James - Monmouth, John Platts - Bristol, Martin Brown - Wiltshire and Jeremy Short - Dorset. The Provincial Grand Master was also supported by W.Bro Tony Heliker, Provincial Senior Warden and W.Bro David Bates acting as Provincial Junior Grand Warden together with other members of his Provincial Team.In addition to appointing 8 Royal Ark Mariners to Provincial Rank, members of the Lodge of Improvement headed by Derek Wilton recited exerpts from the RAM ritual in an excellent fashion. W.Bro. Ian Strickland communicated the Secrets and gave the charge after the Installation of a Commander. W.Bro. Geoff Seaman presented the working Tools and W.Bro. Neil Hawes demonstrated the Nine Steps. The PGM also welcomed new members of the degree into the Assembly and addressed the brethren. (download the minutes and the PGMs address)

The brethren enjoyed an excellent lunch and were regaled by R.W.Bro David James the PGM of Monmouth with a very humorous response to the toast to our visitors.

Six of the eight recipients were able to attend the meeting to be appointed to Roayal Ark Mariner Provincial Grand Rank, they are from left to right. W.Bro.Neil Hawes - Irwin Lodge No 119, W.Bro.Tony Wilcox - Portal Lodge No 155, W.Bro.Mike Waterman - Herbert Fuller Lodge No 128, W.Bro.Paulin Phillips - Cerdic Lodge No 571, W.Bro.Garry Mackenzie - Yatton Lodge No 967and W.Bro.Tony Carter - Bath TI

W.Bro.David Jenkins - William Long Lodge No 191 and W.Bro.Brian Grant - Thackeray Lodge No 730 were both unavoidably absent.